Radiance

Like many cultures affected by colonization, the Herero people have endured great tragedy. They have been the target of genocide and apartheid, yet still remain today. Their clothing is a way to acknowledge this past and showcase their identity, which still prevails in spite of everything. The dress combines elements of Victorian German missionary clothing with important cultural symbols. for instance, their hats are inspired by cow horns - a symbol of prosperity. The Herero live in Namibia, Angola, and Botswana.

Kiekie

This painting was inspired by the designs of Mele Tonga Tamanilo of Kanumez designs. I was drawn to the way this Tongan designer found a way to fuse contemporary fashion with cultural tradition. The Tongan "Kiekie," is the girdle resembling item around this woman's waist, and is a way to pay homage to ancestral lands.